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minutes meeting date 2026-02-23 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 5084 characters · official file · plain text
COUNCIL WORKING MEETING
February 23, 2026
203 Broadway Ave N
PRESENT:
Douglas Howarth
Mayor
Marla Sisson
Council President
Ryan Loos
Council Member
Fred Bartlett
Council Member
Cortlin Runyan
Council Member
Chelsea Popplewell Clerk/Treasurer
Shayne Nope
City Attorney
Jason Scott
Public Works Director
Nestor Madrigal
HMH Engineering
Kathy Schofield
JustServe.org
Concerned Citizens
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM:
Chelsea Popplewell confirmed a quorum.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Minutes of February 2, 2026 – Workshop
2. Minutes of February 9, 2026 – Regular Session
3. Claims for Payment
4. Department Head Report – Planning and Zoning
5. Clerk-Treasurer Report
Marla moved to approve the consent agenda. Cortlin seconded the motion. Marla confirmed that they
would receive the traffic study referenced in the Planning and Zoning monthly report. There was no further
discussion. There was a roll call vote. Marla voted yes, Ryan voted yes, Fred voted yes, and Cortlin voted
yes. The motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Garbage Collection Code: Public works director, Jason Scott, pointed out that the garbage code could use a
re-write noting some of the antiquated wording. He quoted that the City has exclusive right to collect
garbage but Council can grant a permit to someone else to collect. He mentioned that he thought we were
missing out on around $20,000 plus in revenue per year. Jason reminded Council that sanitation has to
support itself.
Marla moved to have public works begin work on the garbage collection code to give to Council when
ready. Cortlin seconded the motion. Fred questioned the permission process and how the current servicers
of the mobile home parks have been doing it if they didn’t receive permission. Jason Scott was unsure how
Council granted them permission several years ago because there is nothing in writing. He explained that
the City used to pick up the mobile home parks cans. When they switched to dumpsters, they had a private
company start picking up the garbage because the City does not have the ability to pick up dumpsters.
However, they recently switched back to cans but did not come back to city collection. There was no
further discussion. There was a roll call vote. Marla voted yes, Ryan voted yes, Fred voted yes and Cortlin
voted yes. The motion passed.
JustServe.org: Kathy Schofield gave a presentation on JustServe.org and the proclamation that the City
council committed to in 2024. She explained that JustServe.org is a website where the purpose is to serve
neighbors and the community. The site currently has over 130 volunteer projects within 25 miles of Buhl.
She mentioned that Buhl is the only City in the Magic Valley recognized as a JustServe city. Several cities are
working on becoming one. She left some pamphlets and information and asked that City Hall make some
copies and put them out to advertise.
MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mayor Howarth read the below statement.
We need to make sure that we comply with the law regarding employee privacy issues. If a member of City
Council would like to discuss any issues pertaining to complaints, discipline, etc., of a city employee, those
will first need to be discussed with the mayor, who is the chief city administrator per Idaho Code 50-602.
After review of the complaint, discipline, etc., if it needs to go before City Council, it will be listed under an
executive session on the upcoming meeting agenda.
Mayor mentioned the City-County meeting was very informative about things going on around the Valley.
He commented that there were a lot of America250 ideas. Marla brought up an idea about involving the
high school students and why they’re proud to be an American.
Mayor also mentioned the Backflow testing letters that recently went out. He clarified regarding backflow
devices needed for underground sprinklers. If you do not have one, you don’t need it. If it is abandoned,
Jason confirmed that it needs to be disconnected. He said patrons can call City Hall and we will send
someone out to confirm it is disconnected and capped. There was quite a bit of discussion regarding the
communication and why backflow testing is required.
Cortlin asked if Chelsea had been able to connect with Commissioner Reinke regarding America250 but she
had not been able to yet.
Marla brought up the Youth Council the Mayor is starting. She had heard able some regulations regarding
background checks and rules when working with Youths. Marla had asked Chelsea prior to the meeting if
there were requirements and Chelsea had reached out to AIC but is waiting on a response.
Cortlin mentioned he has a library board meeting on Wednesday. Doug commented that the building and
roof is looking good after the flooding.
MEETING ADJOURNED –Marla moved that the meeting be adjourned; Cortlin seconded the motion. There
was no discussion. All voted yes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 PM.
Minutes prepared by Chelsea Popplewell, City Clerk
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